CHAPTER VII.
THE WAR WITH SPAIN

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THE incidents leading to the outbreak of the Spanish War are too recent to require narration. Even the youth of the country recall the rising indignation of the people at the cruel treatment of Cuba by Spain, the destruction of the Maine, and the anxious suspense of the following weeks. The efforts of the administration towards a peaceful settlement, the debates in Congress, and the pressure of an angry people are fresh in all memories.

Mr. Wolcott's sympathies were with the President in his efforts to use every honorable means to avert the war. He counseled

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As early as December, 1897, four months before war was declared, the work of preparation was begun, On January 15 an order was issued requiring all militia organizations at armory inspections to appear equipped as if for two clays' field duty. Commanding officers were perfecting themselves for active service. As the War Department at Washington said that they were unable to furnish supplies and equipment, these were sought for in many directions, so that if the emergency should come and an appropriation be made, they could be immediately obtained.

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On the 29th of March resolutions declaring war with Spain and recognizing the independence of Cuba were introduced into both houses of Congress.

On the 9th of April the President, having become convinced that the resources of diplomacy were unavailing to alter the conditions in Cuba, asked Congress to give him power to intervene in behalf of the nation.

On the 15th of April, Governor Wolcott sent this special message to the legislature : -

"To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives -

"In the present grave and threatening conditions of the relations of the government of the United States with the kingdom of Spain, growing out of the inhuman and unavailing warfare in the island of Cuba, I deem that the time has come when

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"Whenever, in the past, heroism and sacrifice in a just cause have been demanded, Massachusetts has generously given of her blood and treasure. She will not falter now.

"I ask that $50,000, or such part thereof as may be necessary, may be appropriated to be expended under the direction of the commander-in-chief, in defray- ing the military and naval expenses which the existing emergency may render requi- site and proper."

Within twenty-five minutes of the time that the message had left the governor's

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Such action was typical of the promptness with which the Commonwealth met every call upon her in the nation's war against Spain. It was typical also of the confidence which she reposed in her chief magistrate. Said Mr. Wolcott, at the end of the war, in referring to this incident, " I consider the ready confidence of the legislature of Massachusetts, without regard to party, as one of the great honors of my life."

On the 19th of April the resolution asked for by the President passed Congress, and on the 23d a call was issued for one hundred and twenty-five thousand troops. On April 25 war was declared by Congress, On the next clay, the First

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A new generation had come to manhood since in the sixties the regiments, after review by the governor, had passed through Boston to the seat of war. The men and women in whose memories those scenes were but as yesterday were rekindled with enthusiasm as they heard the tramp of the soldiers, and the sound of the hfe and drum; and the youth who had been bred to stories of the last war were alert to catch sight of the first regiment.

Standing on the State House steps whence Governor Andrew had reviewed the troops, was Governor Wolcott, sup-

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The whole city seemed to pour into the streets. Up Beacon Street the regiment marched, and as they passed the State House, the governor bared his head. Down State Street to the dock they tramped amidst the cheers of the people.

The incident is worthy of record for its significance: the loyalty of Boston and

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It is difficult for us, since the Spanish navy was so easily destroyed, to recall the nervousness and fear that ran along the New England coast lest Spanish cruisers should appear in the offing and bombard the cities. That their securities and valuables might be removed at the approach of danger, bankers and other citizens rented boxes in the safe deposit vaults of Worcester. One bank in that city increased its number of boxes under the pressure. Summer cottages could not be rented, and solid citizens looked anxious as they discussed the possibility of the destruction, of their buildings and property. Mayors and selectmen appealed to the governor for protection and fortifications.

In response to a letter of inquiry from the governor, the Secretary of the Navy

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"While, therefore, I do not think that the coast of Massachusetts will be in much danger from privateers or Spanish men-of-war, I do think it would be well to throw up earthworks at the most exposed points, the guns to be mounted and handled by the state militia."

The governor and his military council had been anxiously waiting for orders or instructions about the troops from the War Department, but up to April 25 none had been received. Meanwhile, citizens were volunteering their services, and others were importuning him for commissions for themselves, their sons, or their friends.

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On the evening of the 25th, a telegram was received from the Secretary of War, stating that the number of troops required from Massachusetts under the call of the President, of April 25, would be four regiments of infantry, and three heavy batteries of artillery, and adding: -

"It is the wish of the President that the regiments of the national guard or state militia shall be used as far as their numbers will permit, for the reason that they are armed, equipped, and drilled. Please wire as early as possible what equipment, ammunition, arms, blankets, tents, etc., you have, and what additions you will require.

"Please also state when troops will be ready for muster into the United States service. Details to follow by mail."

The answer of the governor was immediate : -

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"Four regiments Infantry, and three batteries artillery ready for Immediate service. For infantry, sufficient equipment, ammunition, arms, blankets, and tents on hand* same for heavy artillery, except that we have no heavy guns or ammunition."

Information came to the governor that some of the officers and privates of the militia regiments, in their desire to enlist, would leave the militia service and enlist in the regular army, and there was danger that the organized militia now ready for service would be broken up. There was also a feeling that, as the militia regiments had entered the militia for state service, they could not fairly be called upon to enlist as a body for national service.

As he could get no definite instructions from the War Department, and as mem-

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"In view of the possibility that an important theatre of war may be on or near the New England coast, and that a number of troops substantially equal to the present militia force of the Common-wealth will be necessary for the coast defense in Massachusetts, I am advised by the council of officers to make public announcement of my opinion that it would be detrimental to the efficiency of the service to encourage or permit the depletion or disintegration of existing organizations by wholesale enlistments of officers or commands in the service of the United States.

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"If, as is probable, an additional number of volunteers is called for beyond the present force of the militia, this number should, in my judgment, be made up in large measure by new enlistments of patriotic citizens, not at present connected with organizations, although opportunities should also be open to individual members of the militia to volunteer, subject to a proper consideration of the welfare of the State. Any member of the militia desiring so to volunteer should make application for discharge to his commanding officer, and await favorable action thereon. His place in the militia should then be filled by enlistment. The defense of the coast line of this Commonwealth is a necessary and honorable service, which should be loyally performed by all on whom the duty devolves, and should not be made secondary to any service else-

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The motive of the statement was immediately misunderstood. It was interpreted by some people in Washington as a notice to the administration that Massachusetts would take care of herself first and of the natton afterwards. The Massachusetts senators and representatives met and sent a telegram to the governor, urging him to up the quota of Massachusetts and leave the protection of the coast to the

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"Am informed there may be some misunderstanding as to the statement made by me regarding the use of state militia on our coast. I think a careful reading of statement makes meaning clear. Any and all definite orders from Washington for existing regiments or new regiments for service out of the State will be promptly obeyed. If existing regiments are left within the State for coast defense, their organization must be maintained, opportunity to be given for enlistment of individuals from militia for service elsewhere, but not of commands. No definite orders of any description yet received."

The next day the governor publicly said: -

"Any idea that the government of the Commonwealth has had an intention of

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"Now, I have supposed that our militia, under control of the national government,

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On the night of the 27th the governor received the long-expected letter from the Secretary of War, giving the quota of Massachusetts for the national troops, four

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On the 29th, the governor issued his call for state troops, designating the Second, Ninth, Eighth, and Sixth regiments of infantry of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, giving to the officers and men of those regiments the first opportunity to volunteer for the national service. He thus preserved the integrity of the regiments, and filled the places of the men who were unable to volunteer with recruits, giving the preference to those who had some military training. The proclamation closed with the words: -

" I enjoin upon all officers and enlisted men the paramount duty of securing and

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" In both services alike there will be abundant opportunity for the display of that finer type of patriotism which not only dares and endures, but subordinates selfish interests and ambitions in a great cause.

" May God save and bless the Common­wealth of Massachusetts and the greater nation of which it is a part."

In his boyhood Roger Wolcott had heard at home the earnest talk of his parents about the work of the Sanitary Commission, of which his father was the treasurer. It was natural that as soon as the first steps toward military equipment and service had been taken he should prepare

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One by one the regiments went into camp at Framingham, the Second on May 3, the Ninth on May 4, the Eighth on May 5, and the Sixth on May 6, and were mustered into the United States Volunteer Army. Their equipment was complete,- tents, ovens, medical stores, uniforms, guns, working suits, rubber blankets, and everything else required for service at the

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On May 11 came a message from the Secretary of War, asking how soon the governor could send a regiment to New York to be sent on a transport to Tampa. The answer was, "The Second Regiment of Infantry waits orders."

The order came for the regiment to start the next day. On that day the governor went to the camp at Framingham.

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The regiment formed in a hollow square and stood at attention, Memories of his boyhood, of the camp at Readville, and of his farewell to his brother, must have shot through his mind. He lifted his hat and with a voice strong but full of emotion, said:-

"Colonel Clark, officers and men: You are now about to leave the Commonwealth of your birth to endure hardship and peril in a righteous war waged for the promotion of humanity and to uplift an oppressed people from the domination of a cruel and corrupt power.

"The Commonwealth of Massachusetts through me, their official representative at this time, bids you godspeed. Our hopes, yes, our high confidence, go with you? men of Massachusetts. We feel sure that as you carry the stars and stripes of the United States and the pure white flag of

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"Keep a brave heart and a clean body. Remember that a part of the glory of Massachusetts is committed to you. Be obedient, courageous, and temperate at all times.

"May the God of our fathers hold you in his keeping and bring you glory and honor and peace."

In the next few days he reviewed the other regiments, and in touching and eloquent words spoke to each.

To the Sixth, which is a Middlesex regiment, he said: -

"You are the direct heirs of the men who stood at the bridge at Concord and fired the shot heard round the world. You are the heirs of the men whose blood

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"Men of the Sixth,, thus the memory of those and other great days in the history of the nation will travel with you wherever you go? and whether stationed to protect the national capitol, which symbolizes the dignity of the republic, or whether summoned to some other post of duty and danger, may every northern breeze bring you the whispers of the old Common­wealth of Massachusetts, bidding you to quit you like men and be strong."

As the Sixth Regiment entered Baltimore a few days later, they were formally welcomed by the mayor, and as they marched through the city by the same route which the old Sixth took in 1861, they were given a great ovation by all

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On the 25th of May the President issued a call for 75,000 more volunteers, and the governor was notified by the Secretary of War that the share of Massachusetts was 3041. His response was, "The number will be furnished on receiving detailed Instructions."

On the 15th of July the governor gave commissions to the officers of the Fifth Regiment and presented colors to the regiment.

Throughout that exceptionally hot summer, the governor was at his office all day and often well into the night, organizing, directing, conferring, meeting the parents or friends of those who were reported sick, wounded, or dead; clearing his desk of its

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He followed with intense interest the movements of each of the regiments, and, as far as he knew them, of the individual soldiers and sailors of Massachusetts.

The Second Regiment, arriving at Tampa, Fla., was the first infantry regiment to report in a United States camp. It was also the first volunteer regiment to land in Cuba. It participated in the engagement at Siboney, was on the firing line at El Caney and San Juan, suffering in killed and wounded, and was intrenched before Santiago at the time of the surrender.

The Sixth was ordered to Cuba, but did not disembark there. Ordered to Porto Rico, it was engaged with the enemy, and in October returned to Boston by transport.

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The Eighth went Into camp at Chickamauga. Suffering severely from illness there, it was moved into camp at Lex-ington, KY., and. Americus, Ga., gaining wherever it went an excellent name for discipline and equipment. It went later to Cuba to reduce the district of Matan-zas to order.

The Ninth, stationed at Camp Alger, Va., was ordered to Cuba, and was eighteen days in the trenches, suffering severely from sickness.

The Fifth, which was the only Massachusetts regiment to have time to " harden " for service, went into camp in South Carolina, and showed itself to be of the very best material and discipline.

The First Regiment of Heavy Artillery did excellent service in manning the coast defenses of Massachusetts throughout the summer.

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The naval brigade, made up of eight divisions, was detailed on various duties. One detachment, ordered to Brooklyn, N. Y, was the first naval volunteer organization in the country to report for duty. Details of the brigade served upon the United States Ship Prairie on the coast defense fleet, and later in blockade duty on the southern coast of Cuba; also upon the monitors and other vessels for coast defense. Details also responded to the calls of the government in other lines of service.

The promptness in response to call and the excellent equipment of the Massachusetts troops led the War Department to turn to them for service at the front. Hence Massachusetts had a larger proportion of her troops in Cuba and Porto Rico than any other State in the Union.

With the victory at Santiago and the

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The Second and Ninth regiments, whose ranks had been thinned by hard service, were sent back from Cuba to the camp at Montauk Point in filthy transports, arriving, as the governor telegraphed Secretary Alger, in a " pitiable condition." In the organization of the Volunteer Aid Society,

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A steamship was bought by the Volunteer Aid Society, and, having been renamed " The Bay State," was fitted up with every appliance for transport hospital service. Though intended especially for the aid of Massachusetts soldiers, she was always at the service of any troops needing her. She plied from port to port, bringing home sick soldiers, carrying food for invalids, and medical supplies; and apart from her immediate service, gave the nation an object lesson as to what could be done by the volunteer work of patriotic citizens aided by the best medical skill.

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At a dinner of the Republican Club in October, 1898, the governor, after referring to the fear of attack on the part of the people along the seacoast, said: -

"It was five o'clock on the afternoon of April 27 that the first definite orders regarding the quota of this Commonwealth were received by me at the State House. It was a call for four regiments of infantry and three heavy batteries, and it was stated that, in providing this quota, the preference was to be given to the National Guard or the Militia, as we are in the habit of calling it in this Commonwealth, and that the several commands as organized would be accepted in filling the quota. The next morning, the four infantry regiments were designated in general order of seniority, - the Second, the Ninth, the Eighth, and the Sixth. The next day the First Heavy Artillery Regiment was ac-

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"These regiments remained, as you are aware, at Framingham for a period not made necessary by their lack of preparation, but made necessary by the fact that arrangements at Washington had not advanced sufficiently far for definite orders

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" Your president has spoken of the degree of preparation and equipment with which those regiments were placed in the field. Testimony to the superiority of Massachusetts troops comes not alone from Massachusetts men. It has come to my

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"The service of these Massachusetts regiments is known to you. You know the perils, the dangers, the hardships, the disease they have been called upon to meet. 1 can assure you that the spirit that sent them forth is still strong and fresh in the hearts of those who have returned.

"It may interest you to know how many troops Massachusetts has furnished in this war. I give figures that are as accurate as they can be made up to the present time. . . . Under the first and second call Massachusetts furnished. 6988 men and in the signal corps and regulars about 1500 more, making a total of 8500, In the naval brigade about 600, and in the navy and

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1 Report of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts, 1898: Call of the Government, 7388 men; number furnished, 11,780.

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wealth. Not only that, but it provided that upon the death of a soldier, this monthly payment of seven dollars should be continued after his decease. The Commonwealth has also made provisions for hospital treatment for all soldiers of the Commonwealth in whatever hospitals they may have been received, and in cases where the condition of the family is such as to make it necessary, it aids also in the final solemn rites of burial.

"Your president has referred in brief to a part of the work of the Volunteer Aid Association. . . . Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars has been placed in the treasury of that association, without personal solicitation, coming from the rich out of their plenty, coming from those of moderate means, where a gift of this nature meant the depriving themselves of some comfort or luxury, and coming also, thank

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Excellent as is this statement, and honorable as is the record, the governor necessarily omitted one of the finest elements in the history -in fact he was unconscious of it- the confidence, enthusiasm, and loyalty kindled by the personality of the governor himself. There was that about him which defies analysis, which eludes definition, but 'which is found in those rare characters, who, like Philip Sydney, Chevalier Bayard, or Robert Louis Stevenson, gain our confidence, win our admiration, kindle our affection, and who, in their unconsciousness, make us

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Roger Wolcott was a practical New Englander with a dash of idealism, without which no New England character is complete. From boyhood he gained the affection of all sorts of people. He drank deep, in poems, history, and the Bible, of chivalric life. In form and countenance, in presence and atmosphere, he was of nature's noblest.

When, then, a transport loaded with returning soldiers steamed slowly up the harbor, and when the men, sick and wasted with disease, caught sight of the governor, or in their cots between decks heard his voice, it was as if they had in one moment been carried into the very heart of New England, to health and home.

Was a returning regiment expected by rail? The governor would take train to

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At the hospitals he visited them. In the wan faces and wasted forms his sympathies saw again his brother Huntington lying upon his bed at Milton, sinking into rest. His natural reserve was broken through, his voice became tender, and he told them the story of his boyhood sorrow. Then, as one and another soldier died, he sent to those in the home messages weighted with sympathy. Anxious parents

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Thus was Roger Wolcott hound by ties of affection and sympathy to thousands of men, women, and children throughout the State. His friends saw that he was working hard; citizens knew that he was administering the high office in trying times with ability and devotion; the people were feeling the touch of his sympathetic heart

The fourteenth of October, 1899, marked the closing incident of the war.

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It was a brilliant day. The population from all parts of the State had poured into Boston, for it was the day on which the Commonwealth and the city gave their welcome to Admiral Dewey, the hero of Manila, The morning was given up to the procession. The whole state militia was in line. Later the officers and sailors of the flagship Olympia led the column through the gates of the Common to the parade ground. The governor took his position on the slope of the hill just below the soldiers' and sailors' monument. Two hundred trumpeters gave the call to colors, and seventeen sergeants with their colors stood before the governor. The commanding officers took their positions in front; and one by one the officers turned the colors over to the governor, who, in accepting them, said: -

"On behalf of the Commonwealth of

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"Worn with service on land and afloat, in camp, in garrison, and in battle, their lustre is undimmed and their radiance untarnished. In the presence of our honored and illustrious guest and of the military organizations which cherished and guarded them, with popular acclaim, and to the strains of martial music, they are returned with fitting honors to the Commonwealth which a few short months ago sent forth their defenders with prayers and tears, and which, alas! proudly mourns many of her sons who return not with them.

"To officers and enlisted men she now publicly and gratefully acknowledges her

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"The gain will be worth the sacrifice. To have banished oppression, and to have opened the way to health and order and justice among communities which for centuries have felt the iron heel of despotism, will be the justification of history and the praise of future time.

"So long as a single thread of their silken fabric resists the slow ravages of time, these banners shall be jealously and reverently guarded by the Commonwealth,

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